The Kindlings Muse » “Live at The CS Lewis Centre”

Dr. Michael Ward author of Planet Narnia Podcast: Live at CS Lewis Center Segment 1 of 1

Mark — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:25:12 +0000

This show hosted by Dick Staub originated from the campus of Seattle Pacific University and features Dr. Michael Ward whose new book Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis reveals a provocative clue to understanding the structure and meaning of the Narnia series. In the second segment we are joined by Kim Gilnett and then by the audience with their questions.

George Sayer, “Jack, A Life of CS Lewis” Podcast: Journeys Interview Segment 1 of 1

Carlo Nakar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:44:12 +0000

A reprise of Dick Staub’s interview with George Sayer who tells the story of his first meeting with CS Lewis followed by a report to JRR Tolkien. “I walked away from New Buildings and found the man that Lewis had called Tollers sitting on one of the stone steps in front of the arcade. “How did you get on?” he asked. “I think rather well. I think he will be a most interesting tutor to have.” “Interesting? Yes, he’s certainly that,” said the man who I later learned was JRR Tolkien. “You’ll never get to the bottom of him.” Over the next twenty-nine years, author George Sayer’’s first impression about CS Lewis proved true. he was interesting’ but he was more than just that. He was a devout Christian, gifted literary scholar, best-selling author, and brilliant apologist. Sayer draws from a variety of sources, including his close friendship with Lewis and the million-word diary of Lewis’s brother, to paint a portrait of the man whose friends knew as Jack. Offering glimpses into Lewis’ extraordinary relationships and experiences, “Jack” details the great scholar’s life at the Kilns; days at Magdalen College; meetings with the Inklings’ marriage to Joy Davidman Gresham; and the creative process that produced such a world-famous works as the classic Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, and The Screwtape Letters. This book is an intimate account of the man who “helped” and through his works, continues to “help” generations hear and understand the heart of Christianity.

Douglas Gresham aboard Sea Cloud II CS Lewis Study Trip. Podcast: Dick Staub Show Interview Segment 1 of 1

Carlo Nakar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:50:51 +0000

In August 2007 Dick Staub interviewed C.S. Lewis stepson Douglas Gresham aboard Sea Cloud II as it sailed on the Irish Sea. This First Century Voyages trip also included presentations from Lewis’ Scholar Dr. Jerry Root from Wheaton College.

CS Lewis Looks At Mysticism Podcast: Live at CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

Carlo Nakar — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:04:30 +0000

William Butler Yeats once said, “The mystical life is the center of all that I do and all that I think and all that I write. . .” This same thing could not be said of CS Lewis, whose faith was grounded in reason. In this episode of The Kindlings Muse @ the CS Lewis Center we explore the role of the mystical in the life and thought of CS Lewis. We originate from the campus of Seattle Pacific University as host Dick Staub interviews Rev. Earl Palmer, senior pastor of University Presbyterian Church and long time explorer of CS Lewis, Kim Gilnett leader of the team that restored Lewis home, the Kilns through the CS Lewis Foundation and Dr. Mike MacDonald professor of European studies, and coeditor of CS Lewis and GK Chesterton’s “The Riddle of Joy.”

Nigel Goodwin: C.S. Lewis Quotes that Shaped Me. Podcast: Live at CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:06:45 +0000

On this podcast host Dick Staub hosts a discussion with Nigel Goodwin on “The C.S. Lewis quotes that have shaped me and my thinking.” Nigel Goodwin is a British actor and founder of Genesis Arts an organization that encourages the artistic community in its quest to make good art to God’s glory.

Lewis and Pascal” Trailblazing Apologists Podcast: Live at CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:36:56 +0000

Every generation of Christians faces unique challenges in understanding, defending and advancing Christianity. As we enter the 21st century, what is the relevance of the apologetics of a Pascal or a CS Lewis? Tonight host Dick Staub and guest Dr. Peter Gilbert lead us into a discussion of Pascal who believed: “Men despise religion. They hate it and are afraid it may be true. The cure for this is: 1) To show that religion is not contrary to reason, but worthy of reverence and respect; 2) Next make it attractive; 3) Make good men wish it were true, and then show that it is.” Guests Frank McCravy and Rev. Jennie Spohr and then the audience join us with comments as we consider a related quote from C.S. Lewis: “Christianity has nothing (as far as I know) to say to people who do not know they have done anything to repent of and who do not feel that they need forgiveness… When you know you are sick, you will listen to the doctor. When you have realized that our position is nearly desperate, you will begin to understand what the Christians are talking about. They offer an explanation for how we got into our present state of both hating goodness and loving it.”

“Through Joy and Beyond.” The Making of the first CS Lewis Documentary with filmmaker, Bob O’Donnell. Podcast: Live at CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:12:36 +0000

Bob O’ Donnell is a filmmaker, broadcaster (he produced “Unshackled,” the longest running radio drama on the planet!) and actor who created the first documentary (and many say the best) of C.S. Lewis. New to the Seattle area–we wanted to get a firsthand account of his amazing work in collaboration with Walter Hooper on a documentary and companion book “Through Joy & Beyond.” He is joined later in the discussion by his son Marty O’Donnell, audio Director at Bungie studios (creators of Halo).

The Letters of C.S. Lewis Podcast: Live at CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 01:12:24 +0000

Tonight our host Dick Staub takes up the subject of C S Lewis and his revelatory letters. Henry David Thoreau said, I have received no more than one or two letters in my life that were worth the postage. This was not CS Lewis’ view–letters from his readers were carefully read and systematically answered. His letters reveal aspects of Lewis that cannot be found in his books. Our first guest, Kim Gilnett of Seattle Pacific University, is well suited to guiding us through the Lewis letters. He led the team that restored Lewis’ Oxford home, the Kilns, oversees the summer in-residence programs there and has spent considerable time tracking down and meeting those who knew Lewis and know about him. He is joined in segment two by Rev. Jennie Spohr, an ordained Presbyterian pastor and producer of TKM and Frank McCravy who holds a B.S. in International Business from Samford University.

C S Lewis on “What Christians Believe in Common.” revision 1 Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:38:11 +0000

Tonight we take up the subject of C S Lewis’ view of what is essential in Christianity. Here is the quote we will explore. “Ever since I became a Christian I have thought the best and perhaps the only service I could do for my unbelieving neighbors was to explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.” (Preface to Mere Christianity.) To help us explore Lewis thinking is Rev. Dr. Bryan Burton, Senior Pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church. He is joined in segment two by Jennie Spohr, an ordained Presbyterian pastor and producer of TKM and Brian Luke who was raised and educated in South Africa and is a Microsoft executive. Segment three includes audience questions and response.

C S Lewis on The Incarnation, with guest Rev. Earl Palmer.Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 1

The Kindlings Muse — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 19:48:37 +0000

In this Kindlings Muse podcast Earl Palmer, pastor of University Presbyterian Church in Seattle and Dick Staub are joined by Jennie Spohr and Brian Luke in a discussion about C S Lewis’ view of the incarnation through the following quote from Lewis’ book, Miracles. In the Christian story God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity, down further still, if embryologists are right, to recapitulate in the womb ancient and pre-human phases of life; down to the very roots and sea-bed of the Nature he had created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. One has the picture of a strong man stooping lower and lower to get himself underneath some great complicated burden. He must stoop in order to lift, he must almost disappear under the load before he incredibly straightens his back and marches off with the whole mass swaying on his shoulders. Or one may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness, then glancing in mid-air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the deathlike region of ooze and slime and old decay; then up again, back to color and light, his lungs almost bursting, till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping, precious thing that he went down to recover. He and it are both colored now that they have come up into the light: down below, where it lay colorless in the dark, he lost his color too.

C S Lewis on The Importance of Chastity.” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 3 of 3

Dick Staub — Sat, 26 May 2007 05:19:29 +0000

In this podcast we take up the subject of CS Lewis’ view of chastity. CS Lewis took the subject very seriously and said in Mere Christianity, “Chastity is the most unpopular of the Christian virtues. There is no getting away from it: the Christian rule is, “Either marriage with complete faithfulness to your partner, or else total abstinence.’ Now this is so difficult and so contrary to our instincts, that obviously either Christianity is wrong or our sexual instinct, as it now is, has gone wrong. One or the other. Of course, being a Christian, I think it is the instinct, which has gone wrong.” Dr. Bryan Burton, Pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church and adjunct Professor of Theology at Fuller Seminary is joined by “hospitable” disputers Jennie Spohr and Dan Reade, whose job it is to play devil’s advocate with Lewis’ views, followed by Q and A from the audience.

C S Lewis on The Importance of Chastity.”Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 2 of 3

Dick Staub — Fri, 25 May 2007 06:13:59 +0000

In this podcast we take up the subject of CS Lewis’ view of chastity. CS Lewis took the subject very seriously and said in Mere Christianity,Â “Chastity is the most unpopular of the Christian virtues. There is no getting away from it: the Christian rule is, â€˜Either marriage with complete faithfulness to your partner, or else total abstinence.’ Now this is so difficult and so contrary to our instincts, that obviously either Christianity is wrong or our sexual instinct, as it now is, has gone wrong. One or the other. Of course, being a Christian, I think it is the instinct, which has gone wrong. Dr. Bryan Burton, Pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church and adjunct Professor of Theology at Fuller Seminary begins by putting Lewis thoughts in the content of his life, times and writing. We are alsoÂ joined by “hospitable” disputers Jennie Spohr and Dan Reade, whose job it is to play devil’s advocate with Lewis’ views.

C S Lewis on The Importance of Chastity.” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 3

Dick Staub — Wed, 23 May 2007 13:46:40 +0000

PETER GOMES, Chaplain of Harvard tells the story of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was at Harvard to receive an honorary degree. When she rose to speak to the assembled graduates in Harvard Yard, many of whom had been aided by alcohol in their enjoyment of the ceremonies, she launched her speech with, “Young people, there is nothing more important than for you to be chaste.” The graduates sat for a moment in befuddled silence, unsure of what she was talking about. “You must be chaste; your body is a temple,” she continued. Some audience members brightened and said to one another, “Yea, I want to be chased! Sure, chase me all you want!” Hoots and shouts of praise accompanied the rest of Mother Teresa’s speech. That’s how many young people today have been taught to regard chastity–as a joke. In this podcast we take up the subject of CS Lewis’ view of chastity. CS Lewis took the subject very seriously and said in Mere Christianity, “Chastity is the most unpopular of the Christian virtues. There is no getting away from it: the Christian rule is, “Either marriage with complete faithfulness to your partner, or else total abstinence.’ Now this is so difficult and so contrary to our instincts, that obviously either Christianity is wrong or our sexual instinct, as it now is, has gone wrong. One or the other. Of course, being a Christian, I think it is the instinct, which has gone wrong.” Dr. Bryan Burton, Pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church and adjunct Professor of Theology at Fuller Seminary begins by putting Lewis thoughts in the content of his life, times and writing. Includes some audio of the late George Sayer commenting on Lewis’ relationship with Mrs. Moore and Joy Davidman.

Robert Jewett: St. Paul at the Movies Podcast: Journeys Interview Segment 4 of 4

Dick Staub — Sun, 20 May 2007 17:06:26 +0000

An encore presentation of a Dick Staub interview. These days the discovery and application of biblical themes in the movies is becoming more commonplace. Robert Jewett has the dual distinction of having engaged in this practice early on AND of doing this work as an academic. Enjoy this discussion with a pioneer in relating faith and popular culture through the lense of his book, “St. Paul At The Movies.” He examines eleven movies from the 1980’s: Star Wars, Amadeus, A Separate Peace, Tender Mercies, Grand Canyon, Tootsie, Ordinary People, Empire of the Sun, Pale Rider, Red Dawn and Dead Poets Society.

Dr. Jerry Root on C S Lewis and “Encountering Reality.” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 3 of 3

Dick Staub — Fri, 18 May 2007 16:32:58 +0000

In this show we explore CS Lewis’ view of encountering reality as based on his quote from “An Experiment in Criticism” where Lewis says, “In coming to understand anything we must reject the facts as they are for us in favor of the facts as they are.” Lewis scholar Dr. Jerry Root says this amounts to “adjusting the scoliosis of our souls to the plumb line of reality.”

Dr. Jerry Root on C S Lewis and “Encountering Reality.” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 2 of 3

Dick Staub — Thu, 17 May 2007 13:36:39 +0000

Dr. Jerry Root on C S Lewis and “Encountering Reality.” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 3

Dick Staub — Wed, 16 May 2007 14:07:06 +0000

On this show we explore CS Lewis’ view of encountering reality as based on his quote from “An Experiment in Criticism” where Lewis says, ” In coming to understand anything we must reject the facts as they are for us in favor of the facts as they are.” Lewis scholar Dr. Jerry Root says this amounts to “adjusting the scoliosis of our souls to the plumb line of reality.”

C S Lewis on “Jesus As Lord”Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 3 of 3

Dick Staub — Sat, 05 May 2007 16:15:20 +0000

Tonight we take up the subject of C S Lewis view of Jesus As Lord In this pluralistic age where political correctness dictates the embrace of all religious claims as equally valid, many find exclusivistic claims about Jesus as jarringly inappropriate. For CS Lewis the uniqueness of Jesus was the central driver in his personal transformation. He would have agreed with Karl Barth who said once, “Tell me your Christology, and I will tell you who you are.” CS Lewis offered a clear Christology. To help us explore Lewis thinking is Rev. Earl Palmer, pastor of University Presbyterian Church. Dr. Jennifer McKinney, Seattle Pacific University Sociology Professor. Matt Sheddon student at Mars Hill Graduate School.

C S Lewis on “Jesus As Lord” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 2 of 3

Dick Staub — Thu, 03 May 2007 22:53:09 +0000

C S Lewis on “Jesus As Lord”Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 3

Dick Staub — Thu, 03 May 2007 01:24:41 +0000

Tonight we take up the subject of C S Lewis view of “Jesus As Lord.” In this pluralistic age where political correctness dictates the embrace of all religious claims as equally valid, many find exclusivistic claims about Jesus as jarringly inappropriate. For CS Lewis the uniqueness of Jesus was the central driver in his personal transformation. He would have agreed with Karl Barth who said once, “Tell me your Christology, and I will tell you who you are.” CS Lewis offered a clear Christology and tonight to help us explore it is Rev. Earl Palmer, pastor of University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington.

CS Lewis On Art Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 3 of 3

Dick Staub — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 12:46:45 +0000

Filmmaker Sidney Pollack was asked recently about the steady deterioration of the aesthetic and intelligence of American film. What he said is illuminating: “Are American films bad? A lot of them surely are, and so are a lot of everybody else’s, the way most anything produced is bad”breakfast cereals, music, most chairs, architecture, mail-order shirts. There probably hasn’t been a really beautiful rake since the Shakers stopped making farm implements!” In the visual arts, the abandonment of an artistic sensibility rooted in the good, the true and the beautiful led art critic Brian Sewell to say of the avant-garde gallery scene of the twentieth century’s last decade, “If this is art, I know no word that fits the work of Michelangelo and Titian. In the breadth of application of Christian thought to all of life.”CS Lewis made observations about faith and art. What would CS Lewis do?

CS Lewis On Art Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 2 of 3

Dick Staub — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:55:53 +0000

Filmmaker Sidney Pollack was asked recently about the steady deterioration of the aesthetic and intelligence of American film. What he said is illuminating: “Are American films bad? A lot of them surely are, and so are a lot of everybody else’s, the way most anything produced is bad”breakfast cereals, music, most chairs, architecture, mail-order shirts. There probably hasn’t been a really beautiful rake since the Shakers stopped making farm implements!” In the visual arts, the abandonment of an artistic sensibility rooted in the good, the true and the beautiful led art critic Brian Sewell to say of the avant-garde gallery scene of the twentieth century’s last decade, “If this is art, I know no word that fits the work of Michelangelo and Titian. In the breadth of application of Christian thought to all of life. CS Lewis made observations about faith and art. What would CS Lewis do?

CS Lewis on “Unfrantic Spirituality.” Seg 3 rev Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 3 of 3

The Kindlings Muse — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:39:55 +0000

Congratulations! You’re tuned in to the premiere podcast of our newest show, The Kindlings Muse @ The CS Lewis Centre. In this segment we discuss Lewis’ unfrantic spirituality with Kim Gilnett of Seattle Pacific University (SPU) and a leading light in the CS Lewis world. Kim led the restoration project at The Kilns, CS Lewis home in Oxford. Here’s the quote voiced by British actor Anton Rodgers: “The English style of spirituality is a rhythm of worship, work, reading, and leisure. This is an un-frantic response to God who is, as Lewis insisted, always a courteous Lord. Life-style is revealed by the use of time: what is given place and space; what is included and what, therefore, is excluded. What we see in Lewis is the steady place of his parish church; the quiet regularity of his Bible-reading and prayers; the natural large place for his main work of study and writing; the large blocks of time for leisurely conversations with special friends; and the importance of letter writing, especially with those who sought his help in the mater of Christian pilgrimage For all of his immense output of literary work, his life is marked by a spacious, un-frantic rhythm of worship, work, conversation, availability, and intimacy.” This show is produced in cooperation with SPU and Faith and Values Media.

CS Lewis on “Unfrantic Spirituality.” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 2 of 3

The Kindlings Muse — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:07:23 +0000

CS Lewis on “Unfrantic Spirituality” Podcast: Live At CS Lewis Centre Segment 1 of 3

The Kindlings Muse — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:14:41 +0000

Congratulations you’re tuned in to the premiere podcast of our newest show, “The Kindlings Muse @ The CS Lewis Centre.” In this segment we discuss Lewis’ unfrantic spirituality with Kim Gilnett of Seattle Pacific University (SPU) and a leading light in the CS Lewis world. Kim led the restoration project at The Kilns, CS Lewis home in Oxford. Here’s the quote voiced by British actor Anton Rodgers: “The English style of spirituality is a rhythm of worship, work, reading, and leisure. This is an un-frantic response to God who is, as Lewis insisted, always a courteous Lord. Life-style is revealed by the use of time: what is given place and space; what is included and what, therefore, is excluded. What we see in Lewis is the steady place of his parish church; the quiet regularity of his Bible-reading and prayers; the natural large place for his main work of study and writing; the large blocks of time for leisurely conversations with special friends; and the importance of letter writing, especially with those who sought his help in the mater of Christian pilgrimage For all of his immense output of literary work, his life is marked by a spacious, un-frantic rhythm of worship, work, conversation, availability, and intimacy.” This show is produced in cooperation with SPU and Faith and Values Media.